Over Lake Washington from Bellevue to Seattle on the 520 bridge, around 5:30.
Meanwhile in California, the Seahawks would beat the 49ers (20-3) in football.
Beautiful, the sunset is.
– Orion T
Tag Archives: Seattle
Picture of Today 10/18/15, Rain over Sunday..
The early evening looking out from Westlake Center (Downtown Seattle) toward South Lake Union in the distance.
This day, not the cheeriest of days for many out there, as much of the day had gloomy skies with rain finally this evening. I expected the rainfall since the morning. I also expected the Seattle Seahawks to beat the Carolina Panthers. One expectation eventually happened while the other did not. O well, Go Hawks for next time!
Anyway, I am grateful for this little bit of rain. Downtown Seattle is beautiful when wet.
– Orion T
Picture of Today 10/7/15, Fall Morning in the Downtown
Downtown Seattle, this morning.
Loving the rain on the fallen leaves..
– Orion T
Picture of Today 9/27/15, Super Lunar Eclipse!
This night..
The Moon arose after the sunset in red in full, and through an eclipse.
– Orion T
Picture of Tonight 9/25/15, Late Night Bright..
By the Paramount theater in downtown Seattle, later night.
It’s quiet for a Friday.
– Orion T
Picture of Today 9/19/15, Motorbikings..
Earlier today by the Seattle Space Needle, a cluster of motorbikes stopped by.
I had no idea of their arrival, as I wanted to simply cross the street. Suddenly..countless Kawasakis, Susukis, and other colorful sportbikes covered the way and stopped at the red light. Quick cheers were exchanged, tourists gawked, and I got a few pics. Engines revved up, giving off much smoke and loud noise. After a few minutes, the light for them turned green.
Then, all were gone.
– Orion T
Picture of Today 9/17/15, Tearing Down Yesterday..
Broken down, leaving memories behind.
These ruins are what’s left of the old Greyhound Central Bus Terminal in Downtown Seattle. The terminal first opened in 1928, and underwent many renovations and changes since. Here are some pictures. Click here, for some history and pictures of the former station.
In its place will be a new fancy hotel, towering as Seattle’s highest for those rich folk seeking a temporary stay in the Downtown. Meanwhile, the Greyhound bus service has a new location for Seattle, in the south SoDo region close to the Century location. New memories will build from both, bringing more layers to the ever-changing history of this great city.
– Orion T
Picture of Today 9/7/15, Halo above the Emerald City..
Coming home after a long pointless walk, I noticed a large circular phenomenon in the sky..
I think it’s an ice halo. I hear these occasionally happen around here in the Pacific Northwest, then dissipate quickly. I wasted no time, and took this shot with my tablet thing. I tried to get to the waterfront for a better, more open shot. But soon, it was gone (about 15 min later).
Here’s a bit more from Wikipedia on ice halos, because Im not going to pretend I really know this stuff..
“Among the most well known halos is the 22° halo, often just called “halo”, which appears as a large ring around the Sun or Moon with a radius of about 22° (roughly the width of an outstretched hand at arm’s length). The ice crystals that cause the 22° halo are oriented semi-randomly in the atmosphere, in contrast to the horizontal orientation required for some other halos such as sun dogs and light pillars. As a result of the optical properties of the ice crystals involved, no light is reflected towards the inside of the ring, leaving the sky noticeably darker than the sky around it, and giving it the impression of a “hole in the sky”.[2] The 22° halo is not to be confused with the corona, which is a different optical phenomenon caused by water droplets rather than ice crystals, and which has the appearance of a multicolored disk rather than a ring.”
– Orion T
Recent Memories of the PAX 2015
Last weekend, I played around at the PAX Prime convention..
There, a gathering of gamer geeks mingled with developers, creators and producers of digital interactive and physical tabletop games. The PAX (Penny Arcade Expo) Prime show remains the main one of its kind since 2004, as the event now branched more shows throughout the US and Australia. Still, the PAX Prime show remains popular here in downtown Seattle.
I took many pictures and notes of the three (out of four) days spent there. I have them featured on another site (strangerworlds.com) of which I contribute occasional entries on indie geek-culture. Here are some pictures below, with different notes. If you are further interested and would like more of my PAX coverage, click here for Part 1, and here for Part 2.
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Typical activity on the showroom floor. Just imagine loud booming sounds and the occasional gameplay mic commentary.
Typical board game fun spread around the show. There is much to appreciate over a fully-developed game after a lengthy long to set-up.
The largest and strangest of displays…promoting Magic:the Gathering, a game more addictive than crack (not that I tried and compared crack..I’m just assuming based on my long past MTG obsession).
Über had a cool gimmick, where you may catch a ride in post-apocalyptic vehicles promoting the upcoming Mad Max game.
Perhaps the most infamous of promotions at this PAX, for the hilariously adult card game, Cards Against Humanity. Stand in line for a lengthy time for exclusive cards placed inside terrible tasting Popsicles. And for a set, you must get all three.
The walkway through an empty hall to get to that truck and kind-of hidden parts of the show. Worthwhile for the Exploding Kittens game signed by the creators, sold within.
Classy gals got game!
A giant Pikachu balloon reminds us that Pokemon will never die
One of many colorful booths pimping out the expensive tech for rich nerds out there.
One of many big screens for those who enjoy watching games in big screens..
Got medical insurance?
Vault Boy from the Fallout game franchise gave this show a thumbs up!
So close, yet far away in distant lands..
After an hour wait, me finally trying out the Oculus VR system for my first time. That was a very interesting experience, for my love of science fiction and where this may take us humans decades from now..and that’s not just in playing fancy video games..
That’s all for here. I will likely be back for next year, and looking forward until then.
– Orion
Carkeek Park Adventures, Part 2
Now turning the wayback machine to the last weekend, and continuation from my Part 1 adventures posted days ago..
So here I was at the beach of Carkeek Park, after an hourly hike (prolonged because I kept stopping to look for birds to photograph). I was hoping for a beach less crowded than the Golden Gardens of nearby Ballard, where I can catch up on some reading in a peaceful non-interrupted setting. This beach had less people, but also less land.
Then, those hazy skies intensified from the distant brush fires. But, the air had a weird, good feel to it. I would imagine for a moment, this was like some alien planet from Star Trek or something. Not sure what the feeling was, but I enjoyed the somewhat surreal atmosphere.
Also, my camera had plenty of battery life left. So, I snapped some pics at times. Here are the best of them..
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Before the beach, i came across this artsy piano crosswalk. There seemed to be no specific purpose to this, being that playful hopping on this would put one in danger from the sharp turn around the corner from coming vehicles.. But, I like it..
Also before the beach, a massive railroad. A freight train would come through every now and then. Just wait..
The bridge over the railroad. I was hoping to capture a shot of this with less people on it.
The southern part of the beach, with many rocks during the low tide. The birds gather, left alone by the humans…
A passing boat under the hazy sky. The sun coming through gave the water an eerie effect at times..
I hit up a thrift store on my way here, and brought an early last century music dictionary there. Interesting read, as I love to learn obscure stuff..
I also got this book of science fiction short stories from an author I never heard of. I love the cover. Some of the stories inside were quite good..
Someone doing a bit of fishing out there, I think.
And hey there, here comes the train!
That’s all for now. I enjoyed this small little adventure in two parts. I hope you did too.
– Orion T
Pictures of Today 8/23/15, Setting Sun over the Hazy Sky..
A beautiful sunset today.
But not from the best of reasons. Throughout he Pacific Northwest, brushfire are scattered about, destroying homes and pushing firefighters to their limits. I have heard three firefighters have lost their lives. Many are volunteering to control the spread.
But where this is no fire, there is still notice. The skies have been smoky and hazy over Seattle throughout this weekend. The result is a surreal filter to the city, leading to some eerie skies and added density to the warm climate. We can hide, or watch…then hope and pray for the end of the afar fires, and for the safety of those involved.
– Orion T
Carkeek Park Adventures, Part 1
A weekend adventure outside the concrete jungle life..
This time at Carkeek Park, a small 220 acre woodland to the north of the Ballard district of Seattle. The area has much greatness hidden through its joggable trails; wetlands, orchards, grass picnic areas, and a beach with so much more. But for me it had a lot of peace and quiet, which I needed for much of this weekend.
I also took pictures (below)
I stayed on mostly two trails, The Piper Trail to my destination, and the South Ridge on my return trip. Most of these trails are easy and friendly for the casual hiker or jogger. The signs aren’t always at all the fork splits, so it might be good to have a printed map. This is not so much for getting lost, but to make sure you reach the right destination point, or to leave where you walked in (I took the bus here).
Soon on the Piper Trail, the Piper Orchard. A series of fruit and nut trees planted over 100 years ago by the Piper Family. There are bags tied around the fruits, with signs kindly asking people not to take.
Lots of moss here in the late summer. I love seeing moss on trees.
A creek where salmon are known to travel, in the past at least. The running water keeps me calm.
My favorite thing about woodland hikes, the odd tree formations and collapses. One could just let their imaginations run wild with this.
I also love to see some crazy root action when on the upper trails. This was on the South Ridge trail after an upward crawl.
Half a tree..
I wanted to capture some pics of birds here. I can hear them all about up high. But here I think, the birds are shy and keep their distance from the constant humans passing through. I can hear many, see nothing. But, I enjoyed what I had anyway..
A variety of life, and some death.
Still no birds, and not much in sects either. But I had plenty for the imagination..
Not a medium park trail unless someone leaves a visible message somewhere..
The end, or beginning of things. This was my destination and rest area, the beach area of Carkeek Park. I am immediately reminded from the sky of the wildfires throughout the Pacific Northwest, causing this hazy sky. More on that, as I will post pics and notes of that in Part 2, coming soon.
– Orion T
At the Seattle Street Food Festival..
For me, this last weekend had some interesting choices for great outside food.
Feeling a bit more local and needing clear air, I checked out the Seattle Street Food Festival in South Lake Union. This covered a few blocks and adjacent lots by Denny Park. Featured were the food truckers and other street venders. Some music can be heard in the distance, of which I paid little attention. I was very hungry, with a little extra cash.
Also, I had my camera handy. I took some shots of my food venturing experience, leading to some featured highlights below…
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A vegan taco and Mexican style food truck. I got a Portland vibe from this..
The Deep Fried PB and J stand.. I tried them at another food event. Quite good, but very thick with guilt afterwards on the body.
Love a food truck with a mascot. I wasn’t quite in the mood for chicken, but almost…
Love some of the names of these trucks and stands too. Also, Freedom Fries here because ‘Murica..
Aria’s Shaved Ice flavors. Get your Tiger’s Blood here..
Not sure on where the coconut drink out of the coconut bowl came from. But damn, I got to have one next time I see this..
Nothing like a jumbo anything with lemonade anything at any fair/festival, right?
Love the artwork on this truck..
What I had to drink…a Spiced Pineapple soda from the Soda Jerk. Well worth the $4.00!
And from the Nosh truck..their Fish and Chips dish for $7.00. I got beer-battered wild Alaskan cod, hand-cut British “chips,” mushed peas and house-made tarter sauce. All fantastic for the price. Also, on the side for a few dollars more, a raspberry mint Arnold Palmer. It was all right.
That’s all for now…until the next festival!
– Orion T
Picture of Today 8/6/2015, Museum Friends
African masks on display, at the third floor of the Seattle Art Museum.
These two are among many related native African art pieces. These in particular, have my front attention as their placement is near the escalator, somewhat facing those entering the third floor. They seem lively, with their modernized dress and mimicked posture. The mask on the male is a Knife Yam (Mma Jii), and often used in theatrical performances in the region of Afikpo of Nigeria. I believe the one on the female is used for the same. I will try and remember to take notes and add to this upon my next visit.
This highlight was during my third visit on a Thursday afternoon, the first week of a month. During this time, this and many other museums have free admission times in Seattle (possible other cities as well). Great for a casual visit, as I am usually on my way home at the end of the day. A visit to the museum adds cheer to a usually work-stressed Thursday.
– Orion T
Picture of Today 7/30/15, the Summer Blue Moon
The Almost Full Blue Moon (edit – just learned it’s not quite yet, but at 3:42 in the morning), now here in Seattle while the sun sets.
The evening is cooling from the hot summer day, with the temperature at 81 Fahrenheit now.
Here is a closer look..
The rise was east of Seattle’s Downtown, as seen from Kerry Park.
The sunset was at about the same time. The city noticed…
– Orion T
Recent memories and fun at the 2015 Torchlight Parade, Seattle…
Not sure what there is about a parade, drawing me close…
Yet, the knowledge of one coming,motivates me to forget the world and join as a spectator. I’m usually alone, as I can’t imagine anyone I know as excited as me. I like to watch, applaud, and occasionally cheer at the odd display of colorful people and their strange contraptions and organized entertainment. If there is some theme, than I have a bonus to my enjoyment.
So last Saturday, there was this 2015 Torchlight Parade in Seattle, mainly sponsored by Alaska Airlines. Without looking this up, I think the theme was lights and diversity as there was much of that through the late evening, early nightfall. We got a huge range of ethnic and cultural diversity crossed with local businesses and small town promotions. It was all local fun, with little on anything specific to recent happenings (unlike other parades). Also, lots of beauty queens on flowery floats and big bands in between. Overall, some good old-fashioned fun to a parade that just is..
Here are some parade pics that may amuse you, and hopefully remind you of the joys of a good ol parade..
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O look, it’s the Alaska Airlines mascot!
Pickle Pride!
Big orca love, full of inflated happiness!
One of my favorite floats, as I also love peaches.. I would love to attend a Peach Fesitval someday..
One of many who chose to ride in classic style through the parade, on horseback.
One of the more perplexing displays of the parade. That can’t be real, yet the sign says..leading some in the crowd to run and touch the potato thing…
One of many marchers representing the U.S. Military and armed forces, with spendid musical performances!
And some extra patriotism…
One of many floats with gorgeous ladies wearing sashes and tiaras.
It’s Blitz the Seahawks mascot…getting us psyched for another coming season of NFL football.
Dancing and music, south of the border style!
Fantastic lights brings a magical feeling here..
A more colorful chariot for this parade
One of the more stranger floats, with a message about garbage and our drainage systems..
Some headspinning visual feats..
And pirates, aRRRRR!
And this big obnoxious truck!
That is all I share from thIs parade. I sadly missed out on some clowns, as I had to exit for some time to make some calls. The pics were a small portion of the whole show, as I am limited on upload capacity and time for this article. But overall, I hope you enjoy the visual sampling of parade moments , as I enjoy sharing them.
– Orion T
Pictures of Tonight 6/30/15, Jupiter and Venus dance together
Jupiter and Venus shine together!
Jupiter is higher, Venus is brighter. Both were much closer earlier to each other overlapping, which I missed. Now they part further, and soon behind the hills..
I’m glad I saw this, and got them over Elliot Bay. I also tried with my 300mm zoom lens..
– Orion T
Honk! Fest West 2015 weekend fun at Gas Works Park..
After the Solstice Parade last Saturday (see last entry), I enjoyed some evening jams at Gasworks Park.
I give huge thanks to the 2015 Honk!Fest musical happening, featuring a variety of big band ensembles. All free, yet donor and volunteer backed.
Above pics are of the (EDIT: I learned the above band is actually The Extraordinary Rendition Band from Providence, Rhode Island…oops.)
Below, are pics on the Junkadelic Brass Band from Perth Australia..
– Orion T
Pictures of Today 6/19/15, Little Park Friends
I love birds, as I am considering a new hobby in ornithology.
This moment is my third time seeing the white-capped sparrow on the same tree in Denny Park, in Seattle. You may see them upon the center trees there, singing often, then fluttering away quickly when noticed. This time I sneaked a pic with some evening sunlight, for awesome effect.
Also in the same park, but during the morning on the way to work.. I noticed my ol friend, Sam Squirrel; hidden beneath, probably on some important mission. Good Luck Sam!!
– Orion T
Picture of Today 6/13/15, Descending Sparrow
I believe this is a White-Crowned Sparrow. I observed it chirping high on a small tree in a local Seattle park.
No filter, no edit spur of the moment shot by me. I really like this particular still.
– Orion T
Picture of Today 6/12/15, the Consealed Seal
A small seal I saw, off the shores of the Seattle city.
I knew those slippery mammals were out there in the Eliot Bay waters, but rarely ever see one. This sighting was near the rocks at Myrtle Edwards park.
And, I think it saw me. It quickly ducked below the water after this quick pic. The Seattle seals seem to be a shy sort, or perhaps they also have that Seattle Freeze attitude..
Pictures of Today 6/6/15, Midnight Moon
Shortly after Midnight, last night..
The Moon began as larger and yellowish on the horizon, from around yesterday at 11:40pm, huge but not quite full (waning). I just boarded the Washington State Ferry on Bainbridge Island, alone and bound for my trip back home in Seattle. The night air was warm, but staining wind from the slow trip out (from the moving boat or the night air, I could not tell).
So eventually after some texting, I reached for my camera and lens. I grumbled at the the sudden forgetting of my 300mm capable zoom lens during the start of my trip. Oh well, I have my small 50mm to work with, and a very rocky boat with winds outside. The trick to all this, is to simply enjoy the view and recognize the outside atmosphere as quiet and beautiful, for my next stop will be the Downtwon area..where construction noise and the occasionally smell of piss around the dock area will eventually disturb my senses.
The trip was about 40 minutes, and here are some pictures I took for you..
– Orion T
Picture of Yesterday 5/31/15, Needle the Moon
I love a good Moon on a partly cloudy night, especially when it passes above some unusual architecture.
I took this spontaneous shot through the very top of the Space Needle last night. Good thing, I had my camera and zoom lens on me.
..
Pictures of Today 5/28/15, Secret Life of a Squirrel
For the moment, Sam Squirrel was carefree, and cracking yet another shell. Inside, another nut to enjoy.
Sam would take time, processing the meaning of life in every bite. This was a good reward for all the leaping and dashing Sam was born to do.
But wait..Squirrel Sense is tingling!!
Time for this Secret Agent Ninja Squirrel to take cover.. Danger is sensed, or another nut…both are equally exciting and impossible to tell apart.
– Orion T
Weekend Pic Fun at the NW Folklife Festival 2015
Good times!!
The 2015 Pacific Northwest Folklife Festival brought much joy to the many festive folk attending in Seattle, this Memorial Day weekend. Much of this was in thanks to the monetary support from the visitors, business donors and merchants. Further support was also in part to volunteers, who also made this wonderful event possible. For me, it was just relaxing and sampling of new and exotic musical and dance talents (while tipping many in appreciation). There was something for everyone here, I felt. And for that, I had to see what everyone had.
I took some pictures with notes, featured below..
Near the International Fountain, there was a drum (mostly) circle. Beats combined created a nice fusion, mostly of a constant tribal pattern calling many to the center to shake and dance wildly.
Many got their motions on, some with fantastic visual attire and style.
There were some big stages, where some larger acts took place. I was drawn to the jazzy stuff. This is M9, a Romani-style brass band, from the local area. I enjoyed their music.
One of my favorite things about the Folklife Festival are the surprise sidewalk performances. You just have to be at the right place, at the right time to discover and enjoy something new and exciting. For this year, it was a mix of some Celtic (not sure) and country ho-down fun. I meant to ask more info on this group. I hope to see them again someday.
I noticed many sidewalk performers had their dogs with them, which I think added a lot of charm to the overall atmosphere.
Another favorite sidewalk performance. I was hoping to get a name, but couldn’t hold out until the full act was over to ask. The steel drum (I think) produced a cool Caribbean beat when tapped, combined with the stepping of the speaker he sat on it. The effect was a hypnotic awesome rhythm.
Some fantastic locking and popping happened here. Loved this, as these sick moves brought me back to my early years on the streets of San Francisco.
Not sure what dancing this is. There was some fiddle music from the stage at this time, and the line moved all around.
Not all was music. Some fun came from people finding their own ways to share the delight.
Anthony Briscoe and his band Down North brought some serious fire to the Saturday Night, fuming with a combo of rock, R&B, and soul.
I didn’t catch the name of the guest guitarist who Anthony brought on stage for one jam, but daaamn, he was good.
More drums!
More dancin!
Festivals are not complete without some crazy food choices.
Not that it ever really gets hot here in Seattle, but the trees make for great shade and atmosphere.
Overall, a lot of cheer from many. I was happy to be a part of all this. Thanks again to the PNW Folklife Festival and all involved, for making this happen.
– Orion T
Pictures of Today 5/22/15, Living the Folklife..
The Northwest Folklife Festival kicks off this Memorial Day weekend with groovy vibes and solid rhythms.
This Friday evening, I dropped by the ol Seattle Center park for this annual tradition. The festival is free to all and run as a non-profit event, since 1972. It’s made possible by donations big and small by many supporters. Here, you can listen to many folk beats from many musicians on stage, or just hanging out by a tree. Many ethnic variations involving different styles of dance, vocals, and instruments are proudly presented. Listeners are encouraged to groove, and perhaps dance with the soulful sounds.
I highly recommend attending for anyone looking to chill and enjoy some cool jams with other like-minded spirits. Though, I also encourage visitors to bring whatever loose change and dollars they happen to have. Though you will find company backed stage performances, there are also many more small acts in between, and throughout the park area. You may enjoy them, and smile; perhaps even dance and cheer to these wonderful performers mere footsteps away. If so, show some appreciation and drop them some of that cash down. Becoming part of that action is what keeps the NW Folklife Festival fun.
You may also visit the many food and merch stands scattered about. For more info on the Festival, visit nwfolklife.org.
I will be back tomorrow, and likely on some grass for much of the day, enjoying this Folklife. If you see me, come and say hello. I promise to return the favor. I might even buy you some roasted corn on the cob.
Meanwhile, here are a few other pics of today’s Folklife opening day…
-Orion T
Ferris Wheelin on the Seattle Waterfront..
From the weekend before, as the big thrill of that moment should have been documented much sooner..
The view here, on the first rotation part my 20-30 minute ride on the Seattle Great Wheel. Shot taken from my cellphone. Below are more low-res shots, where I share the heightened sense of moving on a giant crazy contraption.. I had a friend with me, who kind of freaked out in the beginning. I however, love scary heights and felt an excitement rush. Also, I enjoyed these new views of my familiar surroundings. This was also my first time ever on a large Ferris wheel, of many I will do again in my future. Hooray, for new simple joys in life.
Wheee!
– Orion T
Picture of Today 5/14/15, City Squirrel
“Nuts? What nuts? There are no nuts here”
And then, Sam Squirrel scuttled back up the nearby tree.
– Orion T
Pictures of Today 5/13/15, The Almost Empty..
In my apartment building, on the third floor around the corner from my residence, and a few doors down..
There is this emptied room, vacated by an elder male tenant for reasons I know not. This may have been the result of an eviction, or an untimely passing. Anything could happen, when you believe the mystery. For weeks now, there is little evidence of recent living. The fixtures, sockets, and remaining furniture are all gone. Little is left but the cold wind from the open window, sending chills on my passing neck at times.
Later today after the outside heavy rains, I walked toward the empty room again; this time a little slower. I felt there was something else nearby. So, I decided to take a good peek inside the abandoned place.
Someone was waiting…
Sleep well..
– Orion T
Picture of Today 5/5/15, Birdy Bird!
Upon the roof today..
After some tacos and sudden rain. Happy Cinco de Mayo!!
TRAVELING ORION 